With the conversion of Roman governor Serguis Paulus in 45 A.D. to christianity by St Paul Cyprus became the first Christian country.Unfortunatly periods of persecution followed but by 313 A.D.when the Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan permitting religious freedom throughout the empire.

Christianity was the dominant force in Cyprus.The ancient sancturies of Aphrodite and Apollo Hylates remained in business until 391 when Emperor Theodosius abolished the pagan cult.

Today the church plays one of the most important roles in the lives of the every day people.Most Cypriot festivals are based on some holy day or event, while feast days or the name days of saints are all celebrated by family get togethers or village festivals.

Easter is one of the most celebrated religeous times.Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter is the start of holy week.On Maundy Thursday, icons are shrouded in black. Good Friday sees processions through the streets of Christs Tomb covered in flowers. On Easter Saturday the black shrouds are removed from the icons and at midnight the church bells peall in honour of the reserrection. Bonfires are lit into which effigies of Judas are thrown. The families then go home and break the fast.Most Orthodox people would have fasted for 40 days. Eating nothing from an animal. Easter Sunday sees families all getting together and feasting.

Christmas is the other important Christian festival. Olive twigs and branches, symbols of purity are placed over doorways and inside the houses. Christmas trees are decorated and animals such as lambs and pigs are slaughtered and cooked for the feast. Gifts are not exchanged at Christmas but at New Year when the cutting of the traditional cake called the vasilopitta is cut.This normally contains a coin and it is said that whom ever gets the coin shall have good luck the whole year through.

In June the celebration of Noahs sojourn on the Ark during the 40 days and nights of the great flood is held. This is marked by three days of seafront fairs and much throwing of water. The 15th August is another important religious event. This being the Assumption of Our Lady.